2016 Miniature Horse WORLD Issues August/September 2016 Vol 32, #4 | Page 8

president’s message by Joe Kahre T oday we find ourselves living in a very different world than most of us grew up in. To me, the most glaring of course is the technology, social media, and the way of communication (boy, were those party lines fun to play on with the neighbor ladies). We see a significant difference in work ethics, outlooks, expectations, and attitudes. There is a sense of entitlement that many possess that was not present in former years, a search for shortcuts and the expectation and supposed need of immediate gratification. I see this in my day to day life in relation to my profession. I see it in the stores, restaurants, in social gatherings, and of course, I see it in OUR AMHA. We can all agree that there are good as well as undesirable results from these “advancements.” It is up to us to channel, choose, and capitalize on the positives and make those work for US. Along with all these things, it seems that everything today needs a label, a title, or an identification. We have people in all walks of life that have what I, for the sake of explanation, will label: “Me/I syndrome”. “Me/I” have become the foremost important thing. Decisions are based upon how this impacts “me/I”. Rules are violated because “me/I” find them unimportant. Where time, energy, and talents are utilized it can be first and foremost revolving around “me/I”. All of us could make lists about how we see this where OUR Association is concerned. More often than not, good old fashioned manners, respect, and consideration are put aside for this “me/I” syndrome. I challenge each of you members of AMHA to put the foremost effort into strengthening and developing a “WE/US/OUR” syndrome. When making decisions let’s all Graber’s Carts Custom Made - Since 1974 “The place to find all your cart and carriage needs.” JUST IN TIME FOR NATIONALS AND WORLDS ✤ Work/Jog Cart Shafts ✤ Fine Harness Buggy Shafts ✤ Circle and Cross Bars ✤ Replacement Show Cart Wheels (20, 24 &26”) ✤ Wooden Wheels ✤ Baskets, Boots ✤ Dash Boards and more! Grabers can also Refurbish your Existing Show Cart, Fine Harness Buggy or Viceroys. WE MANUFACTURE pARTS FOR ALL BRANDS/TypES OF CARTS. Visit us at www.graberscarts.com Call (812)-636-7725 or Email us for more information [email protected] 6 Miniature Horse World Au g u s t / S e p t e m b e r 2 0 16 think first about the Association, the other members that are enjoying the same love of Miniature horses, and OUR positive progression. IF this is put into proper balance I am more than certain that we will see a huge benefit that will then come to the “me/I” members. In this position that I respectfully accepted by OUR members I am trying very diligently to be positive, move forward, work on advancements, and help make the BEST AMHA for YOU that WE can make. I will be honest in saying that every phone call, email, text, and facebook message I receive about some negative situation takes away from my time and energies for good and positive work. Saying that it is a frustration would be an understatement. Interestingly enough, most of these problems all go back to the “me/I” syndrome. In my youth, I hated sports, wasn’t good at them, and was always picked last for teams at recess or in P.E. class. UNTIL we played Red Rover. Now mind you I was a farm boy who was always on a horse, always doing chores, throwing hay, milking, shoveling manure, and everything else that goes along with making a chunky lad who had to wear those ole “husky” jeans, a strong one! Well, no one was getting through my link in that line, and the other team wasn’t going to call me over because they knew I was going to bust through. As in the days of Red Rover let’s “link our arms together” and hold tight to the high standards of excellence that AMHA has been known for and recognized with over the decades. Let US all please work together as WE are trying to make OUR AMHA as GREAT as ever! WE can do this! Stay positive, be respectful and think “We/ Us/Our” That IS what AMHA is……it is US dedicated to our small equine.